Autumn Sage Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar' (PBR)
ABOUT
Icing Sugar, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a vibrant and decorative plant that boasts a lush and full appearance. The plant is adorned with glossy green leaves that provide a year-round backdrop of dense foliage. These leaves have a fine texture which contrasts beautifully with the plant’s standout feature—its flowers. Icing Sugar is particularly celebrated for its striking blooms which come in a shade of soft pink, often with a slight hint of lavender. These flowers have an alluring charm, appearing as small, tubular blossoms that are clustered together in whorls, creating a burst of color that can attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. The flowers persist for a long duration, beginning in late spring and often continuing until the first frost of autumn, offering a long-lasting display of color. Furthermore, the plant has a rounded and bushy growth habit, forming a dense and attractive mound that contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape in which it is featured.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Autumn Sage, Cherry Blossom Sage, Icing Sugar Sage
Common names
Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Autumn Sage, the common name for Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar' (PBR), is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that this plant is poisonous upon ingestion. However, as with many plants, it is recommended to avoid ingesting parts of this plant as a precautionary measure due to the potential for allergic reactions or unforeseen consequences in individuals with sensitivities. If you suspect poisoning or experience adverse symptoms after ingesting any plant, seeking medical attention is advisable.
To pets
Autumn Sage, the common name for Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar' (PBR), is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. This plant does not have a reputation for being poisonous to dogs and cats, and no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with Autumn Sage are widely recognized. Nevertheless, it's always a good practice to prevent pets from eating plants as individual animals may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions. If a pet displays signs of distress after ingesting any part of a plant, contacting a veterinarian is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Southwest USA Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color with its pink flowers that bloom from early spring until first frost.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws in pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to care for, requiring little pruning or additional care once established in an appropriate site.
- Compact Growth: Its dense, compact size makes it suitable for small spaces, containers, and borders.
- Deer Resistance: Tends to be resistant to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas where deer are a problem.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long season of interest due to its extensive blooming period.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Autumn Cherry Sage can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of subtle pink and purple hues to fabrics when treated properly.
- Given its aromatic properties, Autumn Cherry Sage can be dried and used in potpourri mixes to add a pleasant fragrance to rooms.
- Autumn Cherry Sage leaves can serve as a flavoring agent in cooking, adding a unique twist to meat dishes or infused vinegars.
- The flowers can be used in crafting, such as making natural wreaths or dried flower arrangements which maintain their color well after drying.
- Autumn Cherry Sage can be planted as a companion plant in gardens to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, which benefit the entire garden ecosystem.
- It can be used in educational settings for teaching about plant pollination and the importance of native flora in supporting wildlife.
- The plant's natural resistance to deer makes it a good choice for gardeners in areas with high deer populations to maintain a beautiful landscape without the need for chemical repellents.
- Autumn Cherry Sage stems can be used as natural skewers for grilling, infusing a mild sage flavor into veggies or meats.
- The blooms can be used in homemade cosmetics, such as in bath bombs or soaps, for a natural fragrance and colorant.
- In landscape photography, Autumn Cherry Sage can add a pop of color in a natural setting, especially when capturing images of drought-resistant gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Autumn Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Autumn Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The genus Salvia is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties in various species.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia comes from the Latin word "salvere," meaning to save or to heal, which is often translated to wisdom as well.
- Longevity: Some species of Salvia are known for their longevity and robustness, which can symbolize a long and healthy life.
- Protection: Sage, a common name for Salvia, has been used in cleansing rituals and to ward off evil spirits, symbolizing protection.
WaterAutumn Sage, commonly known as Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar', should be watered deeply but infrequently to promote a strong root system. During active growth in spring and summer, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is ideal, depending on soil conditions and climate. In hotter, drier periods, watch for wilting and increase watering slightly. During the winter, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks, ensuring that the soil doesn't stay soggy, as Salvia greggii prefers drier conditions when dormant.
LightAutumn Sage thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant is in an area that receives abundant morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon, especially in regions with very hot summers. Although it can tolerate some light shade, too little sun can result in fewer flowers and leggy growth.
TemperatureAutumn Sage is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically between 10°F to 85°F, but it grows best in temperatures around 60°F to 70°F. It is cold-hardy down to 10°F, and can survive short-term frosts, however, it should be protected when temperatures drop to the bottom of its threshold. The ideal conditions are moderate temperatures with low humidity.
PruningPruning Autumn Sage is crucial for maintaining a compact shape and encouraging prolific blooming. Prune in the early spring to remove winter damage and again after the first flush of flowers to promote a second bloom cycle. Trimming back by about one-third is typically recommended, and periodic deadheading of spent flowers can also encourage additional blooms. The best time for major pruning is in late winter/early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningNot needed
SoilAutumn Sage (the common name of Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar') thrives in well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. For the best soil mix, combine 2 parts garden soil, 1 part perlite or coarse sand, and 1 part compost to enhance drainage and fertility. Ensure good aeration to prevent root rot.
RepottingAutumn Sage should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Spring is the best time to repot this plant, just before the onset of the active growing season. Use a slightly larger pot to allow the roots to expand.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Sage prefers a dry to average humidity environment. It is well suited to the typical humidity found in most homes and does not require any special humidity adjustments. Too much humidity can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Autumn Sage needs full sun by a window and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant Autumn Sage in full sun, well-drained soil, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar', commonly known as Autumn Sage, begins with seed germination, where the plant starts to emerge from the seed under appropriate temperatures and soil conditions. The seedling stage follows, during which the first true leaves develop, and the plant begins photosynthesis. As it grows into a young plant, Autumn Sage enters the vegetative stage, establishing a root system and producing a robust foliage of aromatic leaves. The plant then reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, where it produces small, tubular flowers that attract pollinators, typically from late spring to frost in various cycles. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds, which complete the reproductive cycle. Finally, in regions with colder climates, Autumn Sage may become dormant in winter, conserving energy to regrow in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar', commonly known as Autumn Sage, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is most successfully done in late spring through early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 5-inch (about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) length, making sure to include at least two nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone before it is planted in a mix of peat and perlite or well-draining soil. The cutting should then be kept in a warm, humid environment, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks.
